Kings County Criminal Records
What Is Kings County Criminal Records
Kings County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Kings County, New York. These records are maintained pursuant to New York Public Officers Law § 86, which defines public records as "any information kept, held, filed, produced or reproduced by, with or for an agency."
Criminal records in Kings County typically include:
- Arrest records documenting when an individual was taken into custody
- Charging documents filed by prosecutors
- Court proceedings including arraignments, hearings, and trials
- Case dispositions showing the final outcome of criminal cases
- Sentencing information for convicted individuals
- Incarceration records from county jail facilities
- Probation and parole documentation
Several agencies maintain different components of criminal records in Kings County:
Kings County District Attorney's Office
350 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 250-2000
Kings County District Attorney's Office
Kings County Supreme Court
360 Adams Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court
New York City Police Department - Brooklyn Precincts
Various locations throughout Kings County
(718) 834-3211 (Central Booking)
New York City Police Department
It is important to distinguish between different types of criminal records. Arrest records document when someone is taken into custody but do not indicate guilt. Conviction records show when someone has been found guilty of a crime. Felony records involve more serious offenses carrying potential imprisonment of more than one year, while misdemeanor records involve less serious offenses with shorter potential sentences.
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (for those under 18) are typically sealed under New York Family Court Act § 375.1 to protect the privacy and future prospects of young offenders.
Are Criminal Records Public In Kings County
Criminal records in Kings County are generally considered public information under the New York Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), codified in Public Officers Law Article 6. This law establishes the public's right to access government records, including most criminal justice documents.
Section 87(2) of the Public Officers Law states: "Each agency shall... make available for public inspection and copying all records..." However, the statute also provides several exemptions that may restrict access to certain criminal records. These exemptions include:
- Records that would interfere with ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Records that would deprive a person of a fair trial
- Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Records specifically exempted from disclosure by state or federal statute
In Kings County, the following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Court dockets and calendars
- Criminal charges filed against adults
- Conviction records for adults
- Sentencing information
- Court proceedings and hearings (which are generally open to the public)
Conversely, the following types of criminal records have restricted access:
- Sealed records (including certain drug offenses eligible for sealing under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.58)
- Juvenile records (generally sealed under Family Court Act)
- Youthful offender records (typically sealed)
- Records related to ongoing investigations
- Grand jury proceedings
- Records where disclosure would endanger someone's life or safety
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) maintains a statewide criminal history record search system that provides limited information about criminal convictions. However, this system does not include pending cases, dismissed cases, or sealed records.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Kings County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Kings County may utilize several methods to access this information. The procedures outlined below reflect current practices that remain in effect.
For in-person requests at the Kings County Supreme Court:
- Visit the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term located at 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Proceed to the Court Clerk's Office on the 12th floor during business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Complete a records request form providing the name of the individual and, if possible, the case number or date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for copies (currently $1.00 per page for court records)
- Allow time for processing, which may range from same-day service to several weeks depending on the age and availability of records
For mail requests:
- Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of case
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request to:
Kings County Supreme Court
Records Department
320 Jay Street, Room 12.78
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(347) 296-1000
Kings County Supreme Court
For criminal records maintained by law enforcement:
- Submit a FOIL request to the NYPD Records Access Officer
- Clearly identify the records being sought
- Provide as much detail as possible about the case
- Submit the request via the NYC OpenRecords portal
For statewide criminal history information:
- Contact the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
- Complete a Record Review Application
- Submit fingerprints through an authorized vendor
- Pay the required fee (currently $65.00)
- Allow 3-5 weeks for processing
Pursuant to Public Officers Law § 89(3), agencies must respond to requests within five business days by either providing the records, denying access with reasons, or providing a date by which the request will be granted or denied.
How To Find Criminal Records in Kings County Online?
Kings County residents and interested parties may access certain criminal records through various online portals maintained by state and local agencies. These digital resources provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests.
The New York State Unified Court System offers WebCrims, a comprehensive online database for criminal case information:
- Navigate to the WebCrims portal
- Create a free account or log in as a guest user
- Select Kings County (Brooklyn) from the county dropdown menu
- Search by defendant name, case number, or attorney/firm
- Review basic case information including charges, court appearances, and case status
WebCrims provides information on pending and recently disposed criminal cases but does not include complete criminal histories or older cases that have been archived.
For New York City-specific information, including Kings County:
- Visit the NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup Service
- Enter the individual's name or New York State ID Number (NYSID)
- Review current incarceration status for individuals held in NYC correctional facilities
The New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision maintains an Inmate Population Information Search that includes:
- Information on individuals currently incarcerated in state facilities
- Basic demographic data and conviction information
- Earliest release date and parole eligibility
- Current facility location
For sex offender registry information in Kings County:
- Access the New York State Sex Offender Registry
- Search by name, county, or zip code
- View information on registered sex offenders including risk level, conviction details, and address information
Users should note that online records have limitations:
- Not all criminal records are available electronically
- Older records may only be accessible through in-person requests
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in online searches
- Some online systems require registration or payment
- Information may be limited compared to official court files
Can You Search Kings County Criminal Records for Free?
Kings County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, as provided under New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b)(iii), which states that agencies may not charge for "inspection of records" though fees may apply for copies.
Free in-person inspection options include:
- Visiting the Kings County Supreme Court Criminal Term at 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 during regular business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday)
- Reviewing public court calendars posted daily at the courthouse
- Attending public court proceedings, which are generally open to observation at no cost
- Examining records at the Kings County District Attorney's Office, though an appointment may be required
Free online resources include:
- WebCrims - Provides basic case information for pending and recently disposed criminal cases in Kings County
- New York State Sex Offender Registry - Offers free searches for registered sex offenders residing in Kings County
- NYC Department of Correction Inmate Lookup - Allows free searches for current inmates in NYC correctional facilities
- New York State DOCCS Inmate Lookup - Provides free information on state prison inmates
While inspection is free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of court records ($1.00 per page for most court documents)
- Certified copies of court records ($8.00 per document)
- Complete criminal history reports from the Division of Criminal Justice Services ($65.00)
- Expedited processing of certain record requests
The New York State Office of Court Administration (OCA) offers criminal history record searches for a fee of $95.00 per name searched. This service provides information about criminal convictions statewide but does not include pending cases, sealed records, or juvenile records.
What's Included in a Kings County Criminal Record?
Kings County criminal records contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph when available
- Residential address at time of arrest
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency (NYPD precinct or other law enforcement entity)
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility if held in custody
Court Case Information:
- Court docket or case number
- Court of jurisdiction (Criminal Court, Supreme Court)
- Case filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations for alleged violations
- Classification of charges (felony, misdemeanor, violation)
- Attorney information (defense counsel, prosecutor)
- Plea information
- Court appearance dates and proceedings
Disposition Information:
- Final outcome of the case (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Verdict details if case went to trial
- Date of disposition or conviction
- Sentencing information including:
- Incarceration terms and facility
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, restitution, and court costs imposed
- Mandatory programs or treatment
- Post-conviction relief or appeals
- Probation or parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants if any exist
- Orders of protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DWI/DUI history if applicable
- Certificates of relief from disabilities
- Record sealing information if applicable
Criminal records in Kings County are maintained in accordance with Criminal Procedure Law § 160.10, which establishes requirements for fingerprinting and processing of arrested individuals.
How Long Does Kings County Keep Criminal Records?
Kings County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the New York State Archives and Records Administration pursuant to Arts and Cultural Affairs Law § 57.25. These schedules vary based on record type and case disposition.
For court records, the following retention periods generally apply:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention for cases resulting in conviction
- Misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case disposition
- Violation and traffic infraction files: 6 years after case disposition
- Dismissed cases: 6 years after dismissal
- Sealed records: Maintained but with restricted access according to sealing order
- Youthful offender records: Sealed upon determination of youthful offender status
- Court indices and dockets: Permanent retention
For law enforcement records:
- Arrest reports: 10 years after creation
- Investigation files for unsolved felonies: 25 years
- Investigation files for solved felonies: 25 years after completion
- Investigation files for misdemeanors: 10 years after completion
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: 10 years after creation for misdemeanors, 50 years for felonies
For corrections records:
- Inmate case files: 10 years after release or discharge
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release or discharge
- Visitor logs: 3 years after creation
It is important to note that while records may be retained for the periods specified above, access to these records may be restricted by various laws and court orders. For example, records sealed pursuant to Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59 (the sealing statute for certain criminal convictions) remain in existence but are not available to the general public.
The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services maintains criminal history information indefinitely unless specifically ordered to seal or expunge records by a court. This information forms the basis of "rap sheets" that may be provided to authorized agencies and individuals.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though technological changes may affect how these records are stored and accessed over time.
Lookup Criminal Records in Kings County
Request Records from New York State Police
Access Criminal History Records and Background Checks through NY DCJS